Shorty, a Chihuahua, waits to be neutered at the recently completed Dona Spring Animal Shelter on January 22, 2013 in Berkeley, Calif. The new shelter was the life's work of City Councilwoman Dona Spring, who died a few years ago.

Photo: Sean Havey, The Chronicle

Shorty, a Chihuahua, waits to be neutered at the recently completed...

Shorty, a Chihuahua, waits to be neutered at the recently completed... Photo-4070240.55576 - SFGate

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Kate O'Connor, the director of the new Dona Spring Animal Shelter, takes Greta, a one-year old German Shepard, on January 22, 2013 in Berkeley, Calif. The new shelter was the life's work of City Councilwoman Dona Spring, who died a few years ago.

Photo: Sean Havey, The Chronicle

Kate O'Connor, the director of the new Dona Spring Animal Shelter,...

Kate O'Connor, the director of the new Dona Spring Animal... Photo-4070242.55576 - SFGate

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Elizabeth Roberts, a veterinarian at the Dona Spring Animal Shelter, examines a sedated cat for a scar denoting the cat had previously been spade on January 22, 2013 in Berkeley, Calif. The new shelter was the life's work of City Councilwoman Dona Springs, who died a few years ago.

Animal Control Officer Marcie Burrell, facing, hugs longtime volunteer, Nancy Jean, as Burrell's rescue dog, Harriet looks on at the recently completed Dona Spring Animal Shelter on January 22, 2013 in Berkeley, Calif. The new shelter was the life's work of City Councilwoman Dona Spring, who died a few years ago.

Roozbeh Chubak, of Berkeley, has a laugh with friend and fellow cat whisperer, John Popek, of Walnut Creek, as he pets a cat named Gobi at the recently completed Dona Spring Animal Shelter on January 22, 2013 in Berkeley, Calif. The new shelter was the life's work of City Councilwoman Dona Spring, who died a few years ago.

Photo: Sean Havey, The Chronicle

Roozbeh Chubak, of Berkeley, has a laugh with friend and fellow cat...

Roozbeh Chubak, of Berkeley, has a laugh with friend and fellow cat... Photo-4070252.55576 - SFGate

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Kate O'Connor, the director of the new Dona Spring Animal Shelter, takes Greta, a one-year old German Shepard, for a walk at Aquatic Park, which adjoins the new facility on January 22, 2013 in Berkeley, Calif. The new shelter was the life's work of City Councilwoman Dona Spring, who died a few years ago.

Photo: Sean Havey, The Chronicle

Kate O'Connor, the director of the new Dona Spring Animal Shelter,...

Kate O'Connor, the director of the new Dona Spring Animal... Photo-4070256.55576 - SFGate